This 3km-long reef invites snorkelers and divers to discover its vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters.
Details
Kapikan Reef and the reef at Mantabuan Island form a linked unit to the east side of Tun Sakaran Marine Park.
Like Church Reef, it is a patch reef (small, isolated coral platform) which has no permanent island.
During low tide, sandbanks appear towards the southern end of Kapikan Reef.
The reef is just ~3km long by ~1.5km wide, with the reef rim measuring about 7.3km and having a gently-sloping profile.
Accommodation & day tours
There are no major hotels or resorts on Kapikan Reef, or any of the other islands in Tun Sakaran Marine Park.
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Things to do
Snorkeling & scuba diving
Kapikan Reef is a hot spot for snorkeling and diving activities.
Towards the northern end lies an extensive reef top at a depth of 1 to 5m, making it perfect for marine activities including scuba diving, muck diving, snorkeling and free diving.
These shallow coral areas occur on the inner side of the reef rim and are particularly well developed, measuring several hundred meters wide in some places.
Marine life commonly found in the area include sea turtles, blue-spotted stingrays, crocodile fish, puffer fish and the rare black coral.
Visiting the Bajau Laut (Sea Gypsies) settlements
The reef’s waters host a population of Sea Gypsies, who are renowned for their unique way of life around the marine park.
Getting here
Kapikan Reef is located ±40 minutes by boat from Semporna, ±20 minutes from Pom Pom, ±30 minutes from Mataking and ±1.5 hours from Mabul.
More info
The seabed reaches depths of over 130m at certain points towards the eastern side of the reef.
The northeastern side consists of a deep reef that is a mostly vertical rock face with small caves.
Map
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